UN Security Council welcomes Syria-OPCW progress on chemical weapons file

New York, Sept. 4 (SANA) UN officials and Security Council members welcomed Syria’s growing cooperation with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), citing significant progress toward eliminating the remnants of the chemical weapons program developed under the deposed regime.

Speaking at a Security Council meeting on the Middle East, UN Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu said the OPCW and Syria’s new government had undertaken substantial work to address the legacy of the previous government’s chemical weapons program.

Nakamitsu said the Syrian government was cooperating fully with the OPCW to resolve outstanding issues, adding that collective efforts were producing “tangible results.”

She said the progress demonstrated the importance of sustained and constructive engagement between the Syrian government and the international chemical weapons watchdog.

The United States said Syria had shown determination and a firm commitment to eliminating the remnants of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons program despite challenging conditions.

The U.S. representative said collective efforts led by Syria were essential to completing the mission, noting that the OPCW and its Executive Council had recognized significant progress in addressing the deposed regime’s chemical weapons legacy.

Russia also welcomed Damascus’ cooperation with the OPCW and the restoration of Syria’s rights and privileges under the Chemical Weapons Convention.

“We positively assess the constructive cooperation demonstrated by Damascus with the OPCW,” the Russian representative said.

The United Kingdom welcomed progress but stressed that efforts to eliminate the chemical weapons legacy should be accompanied by efforts to hold those responsible accountable.

The British envoy recalled the 2013 Ghouta chemical attack, saying London would continue supporting efforts to bring those responsible for chemical weapons attacks to justice.

China said closing Syria’s chemical weapons file was a shared goal, adding that the Syrian government was fulfilling its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and actively cooperating with the OPCW and its Technical Secretariat.

France’s envoy said it stood with the Syrian government and people as the country pursued a political process toward a “free, independent, stable and sovereign Syria,” while stressing that combating impunity for chemical weapons use remained a priority in its new relationship with Damascus.

Greece described the UN Secretary-General’s visit to Syria as a significant milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in Syria-UN relations. It encouraged Damascus and the OPCW Technical Secretariat to maintain close and constructive cooperation.

Panama’s envoy welcomed progress in addressing the former regime’s chemical weapons file as well as the Syrian government’s cooperation and efforts to promote regional peace and stability.

Denmark similarly praised Syria’s cooperation with the OPCW while renewing calls for those responsible for chemical attacks in the country to be brought to justice.

Türkiye described the chemical weapons file as “one of the worst legacies of the Assad era,” but said Syria’s determination to address it in close cooperation with the international community provided genuine grounds for optimism.

The Turkish representative also welcomed the OPCW Executive Council’s decision to restore Syria’s rights and privileges within the organization.

Bahrain welcomed the positive and tangible developments in the OPCW’s latest report, saying cooperation between the Syrian government and the organization’s Technical Secretariat had produced significant progress.

The Bahraini representative said the progress and “responsible and constructive” cooperation offered a genuine opportunity to complete work on the file and close it permanently.

Latvia said Syria had shifted from one of the world’s worst examples under the Assad regime to an example of cooperation and peace.

Somalia called for the Assad regime’s chemical weapons file to be brought to a close through cooperation with the Syrian government and with full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.